how to cook frozen deer sausage

How to Cook Frozen Deer Sausage

Introduction
Have you ever found yourself with a pack of frozen deer sausage, unsure of how to cook it? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll show you how to thaw and cook your frozen venison sausage in different ways, so you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Frozen deer sausage is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s lean, flavorful and provides many nutrients that your body needs. Deer meat is also known as venison. It’s low in fat, high in protein and rich in essential minerals such as iron and zinc. So whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, knowing how to cook frozen deer sausages will come in handy.

Preparing Frozen Deer Sausage
Before cooking frozen deer sausage, it’s essential to thaw it properly to avoid uneven cooking. There are several methods of thawing the sausage:

Refrigerator Method

Thawing frozen deer sausage in the refrigerator is the safest way because it avoids bacteria growth, and the sausage will thaw evenly. To use this method:

  • Place the frozen deer sausage on a plate or dish.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Put it in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight (8 hours or more).

Cold Water Method

If you’re short on time, the cold water method is faster than using the refrigerator but requires more supervision. Here’s how to do it:

  • Put the deer sausages in a ziplock bag and seal it tightly.
  • Fill a large bowl with cold water.
  • Submerge the ziplock bag in the cold water, making sure that the entire sausage is covered.
  • Change the water every 30 minutes until your deer sausages are fully thawed, which usually takes about 2 hours.

Microwave Method

This method can be useful if you’re in a rush, but it’s not recommended because it can cause uneven cooking and overcooking. To use this method:

  • Put your frozen deer sausages on a microwave-safe dish.
  • Set the microwave on defrost mode using low power or 30% of maximum power.
  • Thaw the sausage in the microwave according to the weight and instruction on its packaging, checking every few minutes until it’s thawed.

How long Should You Thaw The Deer Sausage?
The time required to thaw your frozen deer sausage depends on several factors such as:

  • The weight of the sausage
  • The thickness of each link or patty
  • The method used to thaw it

On average, thawing frozen deer sausage in the refrigerator takes around 8 hours or overnight. Using cold water takes about two hours, while using a microwave usually takes between five to ten minutes.

Cooking methods for Frozen Deer Sausage

Oven Roasting

Oven roasting is one of the methods you can use to cook frozen deer sausage. This method utilizes dry heat to cook sausages thoroughly.

Materials Needed for Oven Roasting:

  • Frozen deer sausages
  • Baking tray/dish
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil for easy cleaning

Steps to Roasting Deer Sausage Using an Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Cover the baking tray/dish with aluminum foil.
  3. Place your deer sausages on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are browned and have an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C).
    • Note: Make sure to turn the sausages occasionally so that all sides can cook evenly.
  5. Remove the deer sausage from the oven, let it rest for five minutes before serving.

Grilling

Grilling is another fantastic way to cook frozen deer sausage, especially during summer cookouts.

Materials Needed for Grilling the Deer Sausage:

  • Frozen deer sausages
  • Grill
  • Tongs (for turning sausages)
  • Cooking oil spray or brush (to prevent sticking)

Steps to Grilling Deer Sauges:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  2. Brush or spray some cooking oil onto your frozen deer sausages, which will prevent them from sticking on the grill.
  3. Cook on the grill for about ten minutes, frequently turning them over until they are well browned and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C).
  4. Remove the deer sausages from the grill, let them rest for five minutes before serving.

Frying/Pan Searing the Deer Sausages

Frying is another unique cooking method used to prepare frozen deer sausage. It’s best for those who prefer their sausages with a crispy texture.

Materials Needed:

  • Frozen Deer Sausage links or patties
  • Oil (can be vegetable oil, canola oil, etc.)
  • Cooking tongs
  • Frying pan

Steps to Frying Deer Sausages:

  1. Preheat your fry pan on medium heat then add cooking oil till it covers the bottom of the frying pan.
    • TIP: If you’d like to give your deer sausages an extra flavor boost, add some diced onions or bell peppers to the pan and cook them until soft before adding the sausages.
  2. Once heated, add your frozen deer sausage links or patties into the frying pan.
  3. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until well browned on both sides.
    • Note: Frozen deer sausage needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C).
  4. Remove deer sausages with cooking tongs and let them rest for five minutes before serving.

Recipes for Cooking Frozen Deer Sausage

Spicy Deer Sausage with Rice and Gravy Recipe:

This recipe is for four servings:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of frozen deer sausages (16 oz)
  • 2 cups of white rice
  • 3-4 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • ½ onion diced
  • 2 green onions diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

    • Steps to Prepare Spicy Deer Sausage with Rice and Gravy Using Frozen Venison Sausage:

    1. Cook the rice according to its package instruction.
    2. In a separate frying pan, cook the frozen deer sausages using the pan-frying method until well browned and sliced into small pieces.
      • Note:Sliced sausages cook faster, ensuring they are cooked through.

      To make gravy:
      1. In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil on low heat.
      2. Sauté the onion until translucent.
      3. Add flour, salt, and pepper to form a roux.
      4. Slowly mix in one cup of water while stirring continuously to form a paste.
      5. Add two more cups of water while stirring gently.

      6. Add your sliced deer sausages to the gravy and simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. Serve your cooked rice in a bowl with the deer sausage and gravy on top, garnished with chopped green onions..

    Frequently Asked Questions on Cooking Frozen Deer Sausages

    What’s a good way to check if the sausage is cooked?

    It would help if you cooked deer sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (72°C). You can use a meat thermometer or slice them in half to ensure that they are inside.

    How do I ensure that my sausage doesn’t become dry?

    To minimize the risk of dry sausage, make sure not to overcook it. Cook until the interior temperature reaches 160°F (72°C) and ensure that you watch it closely to prevent burning.

    Can you cook a frozen deer sausage in a slow cooker?

    Yes. It’s possible to cook frozen deer sausages in a slow cooker. However, avoid using this method if you’re in a hurry because slow cooking requires more time. By using this method, the sausages will be well cooked, juicy, and maintain their flavor.

    Health Considerations when Cooking Frozen Deer Sausage

    To avoid any health risks associated with eating undercooked sausages:

    • Cook your frozen deer sausages until their interior temperature reaches 160°F (72°C).
    • Keep preparation utensils and surfaces clean to avoid cross-contamination.
    • Store your frozen deer sausages properly as well as other raw meat so that they don’t come into contact with other food items.

    When handling or preparing deer meat, be sure to clean and sanitize your working surfaces and utensils often because meat brings with it different types of bacteria.

    Storage Considerations for Leftover Cooked Frozen Deer Sausages

    Once you have cooked frozen deer sausage, allow it to cool completely before storing it. It’s essential for food safety that cooked sausages are stored correctly:

    • Put your leftover deer sausages in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag.
    • Store them in the fridge for up to four days.
    • For longer storage, label them with the date and freeze them in a freezer bag or sealable container.
    • Sausages would last three months when stored properly in a freezer.

    Conclusion

    Knowing how to cook frozen deer sausage is essential if you want to enjoy its delicious taste. With different cooking methods such as roasting, grilling and pan-searing, as well as many recipes you can try, the options are endless. Plus, by following the right thawing and cooking procedures, you can guarantee that your deer sausages are perfectly safe to eat. Remember always to practice food safety when dealing with any type of raw meat.

    Can frozen deer sausage be cooked without defrosting it first?

    Yes, you can cook frozen deer sausage without defrosting it first. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooking times may need to be adjusted as a result of the sausage being frozen.

    What’s the best way to cook frozen deer sausage?

    The best way to cook frozen deer sausage is by baking it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the sausage on a baking sheet. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

    How do I know if the frozen deer sausage is cooked thoroughly?

    To ensure that your deer sausage is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The minimum safe temperature for deer sausage is 160°F. Once you’ve reached this temperature, you can be confident that your sausage is fully cooked.

    Can I grill frozen deer sausage?

    Yes, it’s possible to grill frozen deer sausage. However, it’s important to keep in mind that grilling time will need to be adjusted because you are starting with a frozen product. Cook the sausages on medium heat for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

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